Maverick returns to the Top of the Mountain

Even if it was only briefly. As You’ve come a long way from riding for Paris Hilton!

 

Yeah, I know Y’all are looking for some riveting Dribble’ over what I playfully call the Guns ‘N Roses Indy GP. Or has practice begun for some ‘lil ‘Ol Oval race? But if you’re a frequent visitor to No Fenders, then Y’all know that’s not the way I roll…

 

Having already droned on about how disappointing TNT Sports handling of this year’s Circuit Of The Americas MotoGP race was, I waited unpatiently until the following evening, Urgh!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/04/motogps-maddening-hunt-for-its-new.html

 

Funny what tricks our ears play upon us, eh? As I thought I’d mucked up by listening briefly to The Guardian’s Sports section Sunday evening and heard who won the MotoGP race in Austin. Since I knew better! Yet The Guardian via Reuters uses lots of Spanish “Floranets” in their spelling. So I thought I’d “accidently” heard that Jorge Martin had won.

 

But I decided since I pay so Friggin’ mucho for Cable TV, even though the replay was during dinner-time. I’d “watch” the Encore presentation Monday night anyways.

 

Thus I sat Thar with both sets ‘O fingers crossed with three and-a-half laps remaining during the litany ‘O commercials – Hoping that Maverick Top Gun’ Vinales would hang on to win His first race since 2021. Thinking All the while Oh No, don’t tell me He’s going to throw another win away?

 

Yet Vinales who started from Pole before dropping to P11 on lap-1 was victorious! Becoming MotoGP’s first modern-day rider to win a Grands Prix for three different manufacturers! Although the Pundits claimed that Maverick was only the third rider in the premiere road racing Motorcycle series history to ever do so!

 

Vinales claimed His maiden MotoGP victory for the factory Suzuki team at the 2016 British Grand Prix, before moving onto Yamaha. Where He replaced departing Jorge Lorenzo for 2017.

 

Maverick’s maiden season with Yamaha ultimately was His best. Winning upon debut at Qatar. Then winning at Argentina and Le Mans and ultimately finishing third overall. As Maverick would claim eight W’s at Yamaha before immediate dismissal in the summer of 2021.

 

Thus it was Maverick now sporting a Batman image on the back of His Helmet and donning a cape who came back from the ultra lows of deliberately trying to Blow-up His Yamaha MotoGP race bike in Austria, the most bizarre thing I’ve heard of, being Fired immediately! To redemption by sweeping the Austin weekend. Claiming Pole position and winning both Saturday’s Sprint race, which I watched live. And then the main Sunday race to Boot, both for Aprilia! With Maverick notching His tenth MotoGP victory.

 

As I’ll leave out All of the twists ‘n turns during the race, since there were several different leaders before Maverick took control! And I simply don’t feel inclined trying to type All of the ensuing Madness…

 

Case in point. I noticed that seven of the top-10 riders on Friday were aboard Ducati’s, with only the two Factory Werks’ Aprilia riders and rookie KTM phenomm Pedro Acosta breaking the Duc’s stranglehold.

 

Following enjoying Maverick’s podium celebration, during another commercial break I found myself trying to think of whom the other two riders were, I nailed “Steady Eddie” Lawson and Randy Mamola by accident when trying to guess what the third Make Lawson had won on? As Mamola and Moto Guzzi came to mind…

 

According to Fox Sports Australia reporter Michael Lamonato, the answer is actually four previous riders. As how could I overlook Mike “the Bike” Hailwood, who naturally was the first to ever do so. Followed by Mamola, Lawson and the other rider I’d never have guessed Lorris Capirossi, especially  since I don’t know anything about this Italian rider. As All four did so during earlier Grands Prix eras…

 

But this is why I follow MotoGP, which is a Helluva more interesting than Formula 1 is! Even if I have to spend copious amounts ‘O time trying to figure out when the next MotoGP TV Broadcast will Air, Buggers!

 

Salute Maverick 

Ferrari turns Blue Chasing Red Bull

Although totally changing colours did little to Help!

 

Casual Formula 1 viewers couldn’t be blamed for thinking there was something wrong with their television set’s reception when tuning into this year’s Miami Grand Prix. Like Hold on Vern’, Thars something wacky going on with the colour settings! Try movin’ those Wabbit’ Ears Vern…

 

As for reasons unknown, la Scuderia’, nee Ferrari’s traditional Rosso corsa racecars were appearing to be two different shades of Blue!

 

Although we quickly learned that this was ultimately another marketing gimmick, celebrating Scuderia Ferrari’s signing of computer giant HP as their new title sponsor. Even though the team claimed it was in Honour of the 70th Anniversary of Ferrari’s involvement in North America.

 

Yet I’m cornfuzed why this isn’t being trumpeted as the 75th Anniversary of Ferrari’s presense in North America? Since noted Ferrari Factory agent Luigi Chinetti began importing Ferrari’s to the United States in early 1949. With some Chap named Briggs Cunningham finishing second at Watkins Glen aboard a Ferrari 166MM Spyder in ’49.

 

Yes, that’s the same Luigi Chinetti who gave Ferrari it’s first 24 Heurs du Mans victory Wayback’ in Gory 1949! When the naturalized Italian drove a super Human 22.5 Hour total! Spelled only briefly by the evocative Ferrari 166MM Barachetta’s owner and co-driver Peter Mitchell-Thompson.

 

As Chinetti also established N.A.R.T., known as North American Racing Team in 1958. Going onto win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 with the controversial Ferrari 250LM prototype.

 

Accroding to the Daily Mail, Alberto Ascari wore light Blue shirts and Hat during His two Formula 1 World Championships for Ferrari during 1952-53. While John surtees, Chris Amon, Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti all wore light blue Overalls during the 1960’s.

 

Niki Lauda wore light blue overalls for His 1974 debut season at Ferrari, before switching to rosso for the ’75 F1 campaign. While teammate Clay Regazoni wore Dark Blue the same season

 

Most famously, John Surtees won the 1964 Formula 1 World Championship driving a blue and white Ferrari 158. As reportedly Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari was so outraged that the FIA wouldn’t recognize His Ferrari 250LM prototype for Homologation, He threatened to never race in Rossa corsa again!

 

Thus Surtees and teammate Bandini Ferrari’s ran the final two rounds of the ’64 championship in the blue and white national colours of the United States under the N.A.R.T. paint scheme at Watkins Glen and Mexico city.

 

While Ferrari ran a special “One-off” Red and White paint scheme in Honour of those glorious 1970 Championship winning racecars of Lauda and Jody Scheckter, during the inaugural modern day Las Vegas Grand Prix last November.

 

As the Ferrari SF24 and it’s drivers will be adorned in Astro la planta And Astra Dino, with the first being the light blue hue. Whilst the latter dark blue hue’s name pays homage to Enzo Ferrari’s son known as Dino.

 

Yet Scuderia Ferrari has also seen multiple F1 chassis race in solid yellow. Including when the privateer Equipe Nationale Belgium entry of Olivier Gendebien appropriately finished fourth at the 1961 Belgian Grand Prix.

 

As Scuderia Ferrari claimed a 1-2-3-4 sweep. With Factory drivers Phill Hill winning. Wolfgang von Trips second and Richie Gintherthird ahead of Gendebine. Which I believe is the only time an F1 Constructor has swept the first four finishing positions…

 

But when I think of Hewlett Packard and Formula 1, I immediately Flash back to those early 2000’s superb Williams BMW racecars with Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher at their keyboards…

 

And speaking of Williams, I hope that former Team Willy’ and current Red Bull Designer supreme Adrian Newey goes to Ferrari next year!

 

Naturally, after I’d initially finished scribbling these thoughts. On May 1st no less, for which Y’all should know the significance of the date regarding Formula 1 History. Making it somewhat odd, since that’s arguably Newey’s and Williams Darkest Day. When Ayrton Senna died driving His Williams FW16 Renault V-10 racecar.

 

As Y’all may enjoy this video upon the history of Imola, which you can watch below…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQvDQy7ADfU

 

Red bull announced that Adrian Newey would indeed leave the team in the first Quarter of 2025 and spend His remainng time at Milton Keynes finishing the RB17 Track Car.

 

Apparently this means that Newey, now 65 cannot start His next F1 Engineering assignment until 2026? Although next year’s F1 chassis will be a bit of lame Ducks due to the impending, massive rules change for the 2026 F1 season.

 

Meanwhile, Newey’s possible future employer disappointed by only adding splashes of two different blue hues to it’s Rosso corsa racecar at Miami. Although both drivers Overalls at least were blue… 

An Aspiring Racer named Jace

As Hopefully He’ll be Strummin’ His way to the Indy NXT Championship next year…

 

Typically I pay very scant attenzione to the myriad of Open Wheel Racing Feeder Series, since my Cranium’s already crowded way too mucho with the Big boyz’ series, i.e.; IndyCar, Formula 1, Sports Cars and MotoGP…

 

Thus thanks to Arizona Bureau Chief Snowbyrd MJ’, I recently learned about aspiring Open Wheel Racing driver Jace Denmark, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Jace will turn 20 on July 1st and currently competes for Pabst Racing in the USF Pro 2000 Championship, and is currently ranked fifth overall after five of 18 rounds.

 

As most aspiring racers these days, Jace Denmark began racing Karts at the tender age of five, and has been racing ever since. As I don’t know the results of His Karting career, other than His website claims He represented the United States at the Rotax Grand Finals in Sarno, Italy in 2022, finishing eighth overall for Team USA.

 

From what I can tell, Jace made His single seater debut in the 2020 United States Formula 4 Championship. Although  contesting just three races for DC Autosport, finishing 23rd overall.

 

The following year, He began the year by contesting three rounds of the F1600 Championship series for K-hill Motorsports with a ranking of P27.

 

Next, Jace graduated to the U.S. F2000 National Championship, then the first run on the Road to Indy ladder system. Joining Pabst Racing, where His teammates were Yuven Sundramoorthy and Josh Pierson. With Pierson hailing from Portland, Oregon.

 

Denmark had a typical rookie season, claiming His maiden podium finish at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park enroute to finishing 11th overall.

 

For 2022, Denmark remained with Pabst Racing for His Breakout season. Having won four races that season, including my “Home” track Portland International Raceway. Along with six Pole positions and nine podiums.

 

Jace began by winning the season opener at St Pete in round one, before notching His second W’ at Road America in June.

 

Then at season’s end, Jace went on what appeared to be a “Hot” streak, winning back-to-back races. First Up North Eh! Winning at Toronto from Pole. Followed by winning race one of Portland’s triple header season finale that  decided that year’s U.S. F2000 National championship, which He finished third overall.

 

I say Hot streak since Jace started from Pole for All three of Portland’s title deciding races. Being in a three-way title shootout for the 2022 U.S. F2000 championship vs. teammate Myles Rowe and DEForce Racing’s Michael D’Orlando

 

As it was rounds two-three which changed the eventual outcome for whom would become champion. As Rowe broke the Cardinal rule of racing; Don’t take out your Teammate! Driving over Denmark’s rear wheel and leaving the door wide open for Mac Clark to inherit the win.

 

On an interesting sidenote, Clark became the F1600 Championship series Canada’s youngest ever champion when winning 14 of 15 races in 2020. And at age 16, He broke the long standing record of somebody known as PT’, Sugar Ray tracy’, The Thrill from the West Hill! Or simply Paul Tracy…

 

Trailing championship points leader Rowe by a scant six points. The final saw Jace on Pole Hit once again in Portlan’d Turn-1. This time being punted by Thomas Nepveu, tumbling out of the points! Whilst Rowe also struggled with contact before finishing fifth. With D’Orlando claiming the chequored Flag and the championship title to boot

 

As Jace’s teammate Rowe finished the season with 5 wins. While both D’Orlando and Denmark finished with 4 wins apiece.

 

For 2023, Jace, along with Bosom Buddy Rowe both graduated to USF Pro 2000 with Pabst Racing. Where Rowe would go onto take the championship title, while Jace finished seventh.

 

For 2024, now in His fourth season with Pabst Racing, Denmark is contesting His sophomore USF Pro 2000 campaign, and is currently ranked fifth overall with 77 points.

 

Having claimed two podium finishes at the recent triple header weekend at Nola Motorsports Park. Finishing third in Race-1, and second in Race-3. Although everybody’s currently chasing Velocity Racing Development’s Nikita Johnson!

 

As Denmark’s teammates this season are Christian Brooks and Simon Sikes, the latter being the reigning U.S. F2000 National Championship champion. Whilst I’ll admit I know nothing about Brooks…

 

As you can check out the USF Pro 2000 series and the rest of the USF Pro Championships “Junior” support series this weekend on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s permanent road course. (May 9-11)

 

While you can visit Jace’s website at: jacedenmark.com

 

Good Luck Jace!

Indy NXT: Top Banana of IndyCar’s truncated Ladder system

But will this year’s Champion be able to find a ride in Indy Cars?

 

Think the IndyCar grid had an agonizing 42 days sabbatical between Long Beach and it’s season kickoff at St Pete, Florida on March 10th? As the Indy NXT grid had to wait a further week’s time before resuming racing at Ye Barbers’, nee Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama on April 28th!

 

Thanks to El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske and His Penske Entertainment buying control of North America’s premiere Feeder series from Anderson Promotions at the end of 2021. And the Knottsoe’ clever marketing brains at Penske Entertainment! What forever will be known as Indy Lights is now known as Indy NXT, Ralf!

 

Having scribbled my thoughts upon this stupendous rebranding here upon No Fenders, which Y’all can read below…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/11/penske-entertainments-nxt-great.html

 

Otay, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system Cough-cough! I’ll try giving a brief rundown on IndyCar’s “Minor League”, ergo Triple-A feeder series. Although I won’t go back to it’s very beginnings, when it was simply known as USAC’s Mini-Indy series from 1977-81.

 

Whilst it becomes harder every year to know I can still vividly remember how Quaint it was being in the Portland International Raceway Paddock some thirty-five plus years ago! Seeing somebody’s American Racing Series (ARS) racecar trundle past Mwah. With it’s Buick 3800 V-6 normally aspirated exposed plenum stacks sporting six bright banana yellow tennis balls in them to keep from having any foreign objects dropped into it’s motor!

 

As that was during the late 1980’s, since the (1986-90) ARS was the forebearer of the original 1991 Indy Lights series, known as the Firestone Dayton Lights Championship – which folded at the end of it’s 2001 season. As Lola dominated the series after March chassis won the first two seasons, all with the same Buick V-6 lump’, albeit at some point de riggour Airboxes were introduced…

 

Between 2002-05, the Indy Racing League’s (IRL) ran the Infiniti Pro Series, before Nissan and Menards pulled out in what became the Indy Pro Series instead for 2006-07. As All competitors raced in Dallara IP2 chassis with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) derived Nissan 3.5-litre normally aspirated Infiniti Q45 V-8 engines.

 

As the Split continued running it’s unwieldly course, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) and Champ Car World Series (CCWS) final rung became the Toyota Atlantic and lastly Champ Car Atlantic Championship circa 2002-07. Which of course is recognized as a separate racing category.

 

Finally, in 2008 the IRL and Champ Car merged after twelve ridiculous years of infighting! And today’s Indy NXT championship began with the resumption of the Firestone Indy Lights Championship, which remained until 2022. When Penske Entertainment butchered the championship’s Advancement prize and left that year’s champion Linus Lundqvist Hanging in the Breeze!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/11/lights-drivers-lost-in-indycar-shuffle.html

 

Now in it’s second season, NXT sports another 14-race calendar, which began at St Pete, Florida on March 10th, and concludes at Nashville’s Super Speedway on September 15th. All rounds are single events except for the Indianapolis Road Course and Laguna Seca weekends being Double Headers. While there a total of four Oval’s, i.e.; Iowa, Gateway, Milwaukee and Nashville. With all races running in conjunction with IndyCar.

 

All teams utilize the Dallara IL15 chassis propelled by an AER Mazda sourced 2.0-litre inline four cylinder turbocharged engine, which I believe makes 450bhp.

 

Being the last rung on the IndyCar ladder system, naturally the competition rachets up another notch! With there being no guarantee of graduating to IndyCar, America’s top Open Wheel Racing category.

 

As reigning USF Pro 2000 Champion Myles Rowe and 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship winner Michael D’Orlando have both made the jump up to NXT as rookies. Although D’Orlando’s searching for further funding, typical of many promising drivers…

 

By my unscientific research, I came up with a total of 17 of the current 32 IndyCar drivers who’ve contested a race this year at St Pete and Long Beach; being over 50% of the grid.

 

With six former Indy Lights Champion in IndyCar from the past quarter century. With Scott Dixon being the Oldest in 2000. Followed by Josef Newgarden, (2011) Pato O’Ward, )2018) Kyle Kirkwood, (2021) Linus Lundqvist (2022) and Christian Rasmussen. (2023)

 

A further five Indy Lights Runner-up’s consisting of Jack Harvey, Colton Herta, David Malukas, Graham Rahal and Rinus VeeKay are currently on theIndyCar grid.

 

And a total of 16 of these 17 drivers, for which I’ve included Ed Carpenter and Katherine Legge, both expected to run an Ovals Only program. Have won races in Indy Lights or it’s relative Championships, i.e.; Infiniti Pro Series, Toyota Atlantic and Champ Car Atlantic. With the only Indy Lights Alumni to not win a race being IndyCar rookie Kyffin Simpson.

 

Meanwhile, current HMD Motorsports NXT driver and current points leader Nolan Siegel also made His official IndyCar start at Long Beach. Although Siegel made His IndyCar debut in the $1.0 Million Challenge exhibition race at the Thermal Club, and will contest a total of four races this season.

 

As the 19yr old Californian will contest the entire Indy NXT season in hopes of being crowned series champion. Along with attempting to qualify for this year’s Indianapolis 500 and race at Toronto. Running only four IndyCar races in order to keep His eligibility for a Full season IndyCar campaign competing for the 2025 IndyCar Rookie Of the Year (ROY) Honours…

 

As Siegel’s one of the favourites to join IndyCar next year as reigning NXT Champion. But surely Andretti Global’s Louis Foster has something to say about that? As who knows who’ll be the next driver to graduate to the Big Boyz’ ranks. And better yet, as history’s shown. Will they be able to succeed and have a long and fruitful IndyCar career?

 

Since IndyCar’s landscape is littered with past Indy Lights Champions no longer racing in the series. Just ask 2019 Lights Champion Oliver Askew, or David Malukas… 

The IndyCar Story that Keeps on giving

And Yeah, I know I’m helping keep it alive…

 

Strange how I’ve already put Team Penske’s P2P transgressions ito thoust proverbial rear view mirror. And not because I think El Capitano’, nee roger Penske, Tim Cindric or Team Penske should be cut any slack!

 

No, it’s just because it doesn’t present the Open Wheel Racing series I far prefer these days in a very flattering light!

 

As somehow I missed the news over ‘Ol superTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt saying that Roger’s “Innocent”. Whilst Mikey A’ (Andretti) isn’t so convinced…

 

Hmm, who does Foyt have a Technical “Wink-Wink, Nudge-Nudge” Alliance with? Just Saying’

 

But it’s Funny, because I keep waffling back ‘n forth over whether or not The Captain knew anything about this? Since I get the impression that Roger’s removed Himself from the Day-to-Day operations a long time ago? But then again, somebody knew something! Since when ever has Penske been that sloppy?

 

But it does make you wonder? If Penske, Cindric, Chevrolet and others knew, why would they have “Outed” themselves during Sunday morning practice? Or was the technical glitch in Race Control really not a glitch?

 

Meanwhile Michael Andretti’s “take” upon the subject on His recent appearance on Keny Wallace’s podcast is pretty forthright over how I’d Arse-sume many of the current IndyCar team owners feel upon the subject.

 

As Michael wasn’t shy about saying how none of the Penske drivers and Tim Cindric’s “excuses” match-up, and He just wishes that Roger and Team Penske would be more transparent. Which I think we All as loyal fans would also hope for. Since Racer’s Marshall Pruett has been quick to point out how we the Fans, i.e.; paying customers have never received an apology…

 

And that’s before hearing that GM hired a third party lawyer to clear Chevrolet of any wrongdoing. Which once again is somewhat dubious, since I believe that Roger Penske owns Ilmor? The manufacturers of Chevrolet’s IndyCar race engines, Oh Never Mind!

 

As why does this whole sordid subject make me think of disgraced Tour de Farce winner Lance Armstong, Eh?

 

As I certainly feel zero empathy towards Josef Newgarden and His race victory being rightfully taken away from Him! Whilst I like ScottyMac’, aka Scott mcLaughlin, so I’ll give Him a pass. While

Y’all have to wonder how come Will Power new it was illegal to use Push-to-Pass on race starts and re-starts, Eh?

 

You make the Call! 

The Show must Go On!

As where’s ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty when Yuhs need Him, Eh?

 

Having already scribbled my two pesos worth here upon No Fenders regarding Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”. I won’t linger on the subject much longer, especially how everythingy’s AWESOME in Indy Cars, Cough-Cough!

 

But I just wanted to make a few more belated comments, for which I first heard Racer’s Marshall Pruett say out loud during His Week in IndyCar Penske Penalty Podcast. Although I already had similar sentiments over Penske Entertainment’s AWSM press machine…

 

Whilst I wasn’t surprised in the faintess, I did find it funny how much IndyCar.com, the series official House Organ tried wallpapering over Team Penske’s St Pete transgressions! With just one single story published with a rather inauspicious Headline. Before multiple stories about the upcoming Alabama Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park. Move along, Nothing to see here…

 

In hindsight, I feel pretty comfortable that Roger Penske didn’t know about this. And while His 15mins “Come to Jesus” meeting in the Barber Motorsports Park paddock in His “RV” with the ten IndyCar team owners was a step in the right direction. Obviously the meeting was way too short! And it just feels like enough wasn’t done regarding this situation…

 

Naturally the series was quite Happy to write about Arrow McLaren Firing David Malukas a day after Scott McLaughlin led Penske teammate Will Power home in a 1-2 finish at Barber’s.

 

As it’s sad thinking that David Malukas never got a chance to race in anger for McLaren. Or that His injury reportedly stems from His mistaking the front brake of His mountain bike for the rear and going Arse over Teakettle! Dislocating His wrist and tearing it’s tendons…

 

Until this season, Malukas has been my Numero Doce IndyCar driver, as I really like His personal Demeanour and had Hoed for His bigger ‘n better opportunity at McLaren, which we All know, now will never happen, Sigh!

 

As Malukas like many current IndyCar drivers climbed up the Stateside Open wheel Racing ladder system. With stops along the way in the U.S. f2000 National championship, Indy Pro 2000, FR Americas and finally Indy Lights before graduating to IndyCar in 2022.

 

Malukas drove two seasons for Dale Coyne Racing with HDM Motorsports, with funding from His Father’s Trucking business. With His breakout drive coming at Gateway, aka World Wide Technology Raceway or simply WWTR in September, 2022. When the rookie driver finally heeded to veteran spotter Pancho Carter’s advice to go High! As the “High line’s the right line!” Which Malukas used to audaciously pass then second place Scott McLaughlin. And came within “whiskers” of passing Josef Newgarden for the win! As Malukas was simply giddy over finishing runner-up between two Team Penske drivers!

 

David’s sophomore season at Coyne went somewhat sideways to say the least. But it’s worth remembering that Chip Ganassi Racing poached His race Engineer that season for Scott Dixon’s ride. With Malukas claiming His second podium at WWTR when finishing third.

 

Marshall Pruett notes that the driver market for 2025 in IndyCar should potentially offer the 22yr old driver a chance to return. With David saying for now He’s simply focused upon becoming 100% Healthy again…

 

And although I really Hope He returns next year to IndyCar, right now I’m struggling to “See” where He lands? As returning to Coyne seems His most likely option. Whilst obviously, Malukas is ruing His decision to go mountain biking on a “Beginner” course this February… 

America’s preferred Open wheel Racing ladder system

Even if it’s not called the Road to Indy anymore, Thanks Roger!

 

Yeah, like many stories here upon thoust mythical Isle ‘O Nofendersville, the genesis of this post began Wayback’ some five years ago, following the conclusion of the inaugural 2018 FR Americas Championship…

 

As it used to be much simpler when it was still the Road to Indy, with the entire Junior Open Wheel Racing ladder system underneath “One” umbrella. But that All changed when IndyCar bought Indy Lights from Anderson Promotions at the end of 2021. With the three rebranded series under USAC sanctioning becoming the USF Pro Championships.

 

Longtime rubber supplier Cooper Tires has been replaced by Continental Tires beginning this season. And with their aid, the three scholarship advancement prizes have been increased for 2024.

 

USF Juniors now pays out $263,700 to the champion. With the U.S F2000 National Championship victor receiving $458,400. And the USF Pro 2000 series winner nests a “cool” $681,500!

 

USF Juniors

This series was created as a direct competitor to the SCCA Pro Racing’s United States Formula 4 Championship, presumably to fill the USF Pro Championships “Hole” between Karting and it’s then entry single seater U.S. F2000 National Championship series. And now serves as the entry level of this single seater racing ladder.

 

The schedule consists of six round beginning at Nola Motorsports Park in New Orleans. (April 5-7) Along with being part of the IndyCar support series at Barber Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio, Road America and Portland, which serves as it’s season finale. Plus taking part in the VIR Grand Prix at Virginia International Raceway.

 

The series is open to 14yr old teenagers and up and utilizes the Tatuus JR-23 chassis, which can be upgraded for continued usage in both of it’s “parent” feeder series.

 

The series inaugural champion was Mac Clark, who’s currently contesting His rookie season with DEForce Racing in the USF Pro 2000 championship.

 

While last year’s champion was Brazilian teenager Nicolas Giaffone, who indeed is the son of former Indy Racing League (IRL) driver Felipe Giaffone. As Felipe is best known for driving for A.J. foyt enterprises in the Indianapolis 500.

 

With His $260,000 (approx.) scholarship prize, Nicolas has graduated to the next rung of this ladder system, and will contest the U.S. F2000 National Championship, continuing with DEForce Racing this season.

 

U.S. F2000 National championship

The series race at eight venues, primarily as part of the IndyCar “Junior” Open Wheel Racing support series, beginning the season at St Pete, florida from March 8-10.

 

Their second event was the triple header at Nola Motorsports Park at the beginning of April. Before a Double Header at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s )IMS) permanent road course at the beginning of May.

 

There’s also a “One-off” event at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, Indiana. With the Freedom 75 precluding this year’s Indianapolis 500. Followed by stops at Road America, Mid-Ohio, Toronto and Portland as it’s season finale.

 

The series utilizes the current Tatuus USF-22 racecar, powered by the former Mazda MZR 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine built by elite Engines. Which is run by Steve Knapp, a former IRL racing driver, who was the 1998 Indianapolis 500 rookie Of the Year. (ROY)

 

Reigning series champion Simon Sikes took His $450,000 (approx.) scholarship prize and advanced to the USF Pro 2000 Championship with Pabst Racing, whom He won His USF2000 title with.

 

USF Pro 2000 championship

This is the final rung upon the USF Pro Championships ladder system ascending to Indy NXT, the final step prior to IndyCar.

As the series has increased this year’s winner’s scholarship advancement prize to $681,500, which Ain’t too Shabby! Especially when you consider the miserly Penske Entertainment Indy NXT award of $850,000. For which reigning Pro 2000 driver Myles Roe has graduated to this season…

 

Wisely, the series utilizes a Tatuus single seater racecar for All three series, which reportedly are “interchangeable”, saving teams operating costs. With the USF Pro Championship series racing the Tatuus IP-22 powered by the same Elite Mazda sourced MZR 2.0-litre inline four cylinder lump’ used in all three series.

 

Top speeds vary, with the entry USF Juniors Tatuus JR-23 racer going 135mph. While the JSF-22 goes 145mph, and the IP-22 tops out at 165+ mph.

 

This season’s schedule mirrors the U.S. F2000 National Championship’s eight events, beginning at St Pete and ending at Portland. Although it’s weekend’s rounds vary slightly over the course of it’s 18-race calendar. With the season finale at Portland being just a single race, which could make for an interesting title showdown.

 

At the moment, prior to the Indianapolis Road Course triple header May 9-11, Nikita Johnson handedly leads the championship with 141-points, having scored three wins, a second and fourth place finish at St Pete and Nola Motorsports Park. 

SCCA Pro Racing’s Alternate Single Seaters Feeder series

But does anybody besides Hard Core racing Fans pay Attenzione to these Championships?

 

I’ll admit that this new for 2024 SCCA Pro Racing single seater ladder system is largely foreign to Mwah. Especially since I’ve never paid any Attenzione to the United States F4 series run under FIA Formula 4 regulations. And only casually know about FR Americas due to it’s “linkage” to Indy NXT competition…

 

What I found entertaining about these three feeder series is that their Race Director is a former IndyCar driver from Up North Eh! Unfortunately known here on No Fenders as Scott “What Pace Car?” Goodyear!

 

As the Sports Car club of America (SCCA Pro Racing) and the previously unheard of Parella Motorsport Holdings (PMH) organizations are billing these three tiered feeder series  as a lower cost alternative, complete with Scholarship prize funding to it’s other Open wheel Racing series. Including a Ligier chassis, Hankook tyres and a monetary award for advancement up the ladder’s rungs.

 

Which if I’m reading the proverbial tea leaves correctly, is PR Speak for Cheaper ladder system than its USFPro Championships competizione…

 

Ligier JS F4 Series

Guessing that this is the SCCA’s, and Ligier’s answer to Anderson Promotions introduction of it’s USF Juniors program? Which is intended to compete directily vs. the Formula 4 United State Championship

 

Although reportedly Tony Parella,.proprietor of Parella Motorsport Holdings, creator of the series says He saw a need to fill the void between jumping directly from Karting to U.S. F4 single seaters.

 

This marks the newly created single seaters series debut season. With entrants 14 years and up racing “GEN 1” (First Generation) Ligier JS F4 racecars. Arse-sumedly replete with Honda 2.0-litre inline four cylinder normally aspirated lumps’, regulated to a maximum of 160bhp.

 

The six race calendar begins at Nola Motorsports Park in New Orleans. (April 11-14) Running under the Speed Tour banner in conjunction with it’s “Big Brother” U.S. Formula 4 Brethren, both serving as support series to FR Americas. Along with the  SVRA  and Trans Am series.

 

Followed by stops at Road America, Mid-Ohio, New Jersey, Trois Riviers and COTA. As the Circuit Of The Americas season finale  is a Fortnight after Austin plays host to it’s yearly United States Grand Prix Formula 1 race weekend.

 

Formula 4 United States championship

For 2024, this series sees the introduction of the new Ligier JS F422 as it’s sole chassis, utilizing the 1.65-litre Ligier Storm’ V-4 engine instead. As Honda seems to have quietly exited supporting SCCA single seater racing this year.

 

The season’s first round slated for Nola Raceway Park this April was cancelled due to delays with the arrival of the new chassis. As the championship will contest the same remaining five rounds as above. Beginning at Road America from May 16-19, and ending at COTA October 31-November 3rd.

 

As I’d like to Arse-sume these Ligier racecars are faster than their previous JS F4 chassis, and ditto for the FR Americas entries…

 

FR Americas (Formula Regional Americas)

This is the only rung of the series I’m casually aware of, due to it’s influx of participants to Indy Lights, and now Indy NXT.

 

As former FR Americas champions Kyle Kirkwood, Linus Lundqvist and Kyffin Simpson have all graduated from Indy Lights and are now competing in Indy Cars. Along with FR Americas runner-up David Malukas.

 

While FR Americas Alumni Benjamin Pedersen also graduated to Indy Lights before a single season racing for A.J. foyt enterprises in IndyCar last year. Making for a total of five Alumni to make it All the way to the Big boyz’ rainks, ergo IndyCar, America’s premiere Open Wheel Racing category.

 

As I’ve come up with a total of 14 former drivers who’ve graduated to Indy NXT. Including reigning 2023 FR Americas Champion Callum Hedge, who won 13 of 18 races last year enroute to the title! And now drives for HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT.

 

The series will contest a total of seven rounds this year, each comprising of three races for a total of 21 races.

 

FR Americas will contest All six rounds above with it’s Junior F4 Brethren. Along with a Non-points Invitational round at Laguna Seca May 2-5. With the Big News being it’s Debutante event at Mother Speedway! When taking part June 13-16 during the SVRA Sprint Series outing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

From the series inception in 2018 thru 2023, FR Americas competitors competed for a scholarship advancement prize to contest the following Super Formula season courtesy of Honda. Which as noted, has quietly ended it’s association with these two SCCA Pro Racing Feeder Series.

 

As the previous Ligier JS F3 sported a 2.0-litre DOHC inline four cylinder turbocharged Honda engine producing 303bhp.

 

While this year’s Ligier JS F3 chassis sports the Ligier Storm V-4 lump’. For which all I could discern about this 1.65-liter 90-degrees V-4 engine utilized for both the JS F422 and JS F3 single seater chassis. Is that it has only two valves per cylinder, presumably SOHC, whilst I’d like to Arse-sume that the JS F3 version is also turbocharged? And producing relatively the same Horsepower as it’s predecessor.

 

While I’m also guessing that the new scholarship advancement prize award for this year’s FR Americas champion allows it’s recipient to graduate to Indy NXT, the next logical step upon this ladder system… 

The Unknown Formula race Promotions ladder Staircase

Since who’s Heard of FRP lately?

 

Today begins another Ha-Ha Short! Intended three part No Fenders tome covering the current Open Wheel Racing “Staircases” to Indy Cars, North America’s premiere Open Wheel Racing category. But as typical, I keep finding more “Driftwood” on the shores of Nofenderville…

 

Thus, I suppose if I keep Digging for Clams, I’ll learn about more Open wheel Racing single seater Championships I’ve been totally unawares’ of, Righto?

 

Since I was just trying to spell out today’s best known ladder systems for aspiring racers to progress upon once what was known as the Road to Indy. Which was the best, most concise ladder system to date…

 

Thanks to researching two aspiring “Junior” talents, I ran into what is billed as the East coast’s “premiere” Formula Cars Feeder Series – sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing.

 

Having never heard of Formula Race Promotions (FRP) before, visiting their website which only gives the briefest of descriptions. Somehow I “spotted” the logo for Parella Motorsports Holdings, (PMH) for which I couldn’t ascertain if FRP is owned by them or not?

 

Since PMH, which is owned by Tony Parella seems to be a fairly large motorsports entity, primarily owners of SVRA )Sports Car Vintage Racing) and the modern day Trans Am series. Whilst also being involved with another “rival” Junior Open Wheel Racing ladder system. Making it All as clear as Mud on a Rainy Day!

 

FRP’s single seater ladder system comprises of F1600, F2000 and Atlantic Championships, and presumably is “Billed” as a lower cost alternative for aspiring racers. Since what’s that ‘Ol Adage about Cubic Horsepower costs Cubic Dollars! And how many people who start with a large budget end up with a small budget after going racing, or something to that effect…

 

These three categories serve as support series to SVRA and Trans Am events around the nation, with this year’s calendar consisting of seven events.

 

Road Atlanta (March 21-24) served as the season opener. Followed by Mid-Ohio, (April 26-28) Lime Rock*, (May 24-27) Pittsburg International Race Complex, (June 7-9) Road America, (June 28-30) New Jersey Motorsports Park* (July 25-28) and Summit Point Motorsports Park. (August 16-18)

 

The Atlantic Championship will not contest the Lime Rock weekend. While the New Jersey event will also include the U.S. formula 4 and FR Americas series.

 

F1600 Championship

The F1600 Championship Pro category is an almost exclusive Honda engine category, utilizing 1.6-litre normally aspirated four cylinder engines, hence the series name. Although also having spotted a lone ford lump’ noted. With the series being dominated by the Van Diemen chassis, with Piper, Mygale and Swift sprinkled about this “Formula ford” single seater series.

 

I first learned about this series when perusing the career summary of Jace Denmark, who ran three races in 2021. While 2020 F1600 Championship winner Simon sikes is now His Pabst Racing teammate in the USF Pro 2000 Championship.

 

Other series champions include Nicholas D’Orlando, (2021) younger brother of Michael D’Orlando, the 2022 U.S. F2000 National Championship champion. Along with Thomas Schrage, (2022) and the reigning champion Porter Aiken. All having gravitated to the U.S. f2000 National championship and USF Pro 2000 Championship series.

 

F2000 Championship

This is the second rung of the series, in what are known as “Wings & Slicks” single seaters with a larger 2.0-litre four cylinder naturally aspirated motor. As the class dovetails with the re-introduction of the U.S. F2000 National Championship in 2010, when the Van Diemen DP08 was selected as the sole spec chassis for this category.

 

Becoming the Elan DP08, the chassis was used for U.S. F2000 National Championship competition until Tatuus won the contract and began supplying the series first carbon fibre USF-17 chassis beginning in 2017.

 

With No Disrespect to today’s competitors, from what I can tell, this is now an “Ameteur” Class utilizing “vintage” single seaters primarily with the Mazda MZR and older spec Zetec Ford powerplants. Since Van Diemen ceased as a company in the early 2000’s when Former American Le Mans Series founder Don Panoz bought the company. With the Van Diemen name being replaced by Elan after full integration.

 

As a mix of “vintage” chassis compete in this class, including Van Diemen, Mygale and Piper for example.

 

A few of the class’s former Alumni include “The Viking”, aka Andres Krohn who won the 2008 championship. While Chris Miller who won the following year’s title also progressed to what then was known as Star Mazda a la Krohn.

 

Krohn and 2010 F2000 Champion victor Carbone would compete against each other in the 2011 Indy Lights Championship with mixed results.

 

Whilst ’08 F2000 Alumni Conor Daly would graduate into Indy Cars. Beginning  in 2013, as a “One-off” Indy 500 entry for A.J. Foyt enterprises. Yet Daly’s IndyCar career arguably could be summed up as an “Journeyman’s” career until being “let go” by Ed Carpenter Racing after the 2023 Indianapolis 500…

 

Atlantic Championship

When I hear the word Atlantic, I immediately think of the former Toyota Atlantic Championship, which later became the Champ Car Atlantic Championship The series continued for two more years, albeit no longer part of the Champ Car World Series, (CCWS) which thankfully finally merged with it’s rival Indy Racing League for 2008.

 

Formula Race Promotions effectively took over the Atlantic championship circa 2012, and has run it ever since. Which now utilizes the Swift 016 chassis for it’s 2016 category. Whilst presumably older chassis for it’s Open category… 

Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”

One of Mark Donahue’s Penske Racing Sunoco Trans Am Chevrolet Camaro’s on display at the IMS Hall of Fame museum. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

As Roger says the team will take it’s punches. But shouldn’t that really be chances?

 

Naturally, I was surprised to discover the news about Team Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”. Upon learning of Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin’s Disqualifications from St Pete. As I cannot remember the last time an IndyCar race win was taken away from an IndyCar driver, if ever? Which is exactly what happened to Newgarden regarding His season opening St Pete victory this March.

 

Surely Y’all have heard Penske President Tim cindric’s response about software “accidentally” not being removed from the engine’s ECU followingprevious Hybrid testing…

 

For which if you’re a Hard Core IndyCarAfficionado like Mwah, you’ll know that Penske is well renown for it’s frequent Cheating under the phrase “Unfair Advantage”, which the team was legendous’ for doing during the 1960’s Trans Am competition! And presumably other racing series…

 

Thus upon reading this startling revelation, I immediately thought of when Team Penske got caught for having “lightweight” rear wing pylons, which were discovered after rear wing failures As I thought it was Milwaukee? Which Helio Castroneves crashed out from a rear win failure while leading the 2007 Milwaukee race. And Penske teammate Sam Hornish Jr. retired from second place with a “flapping” rear wing.

 

But then the more I think about it, I think perhaps it was at Texas? Although I can no longer remember where this happened. But I do recall the team being found to be using unapproved lightweight rear wing pylons…

 

While I did discover that Castroneves was fined $35,000 and docked 15-points following Post-race Tech after the 2013 Texas IndyCar race He’d won, but that was for having the rear underwing “Diffuser” not “set” correctly. And Castroneves and Team Penske kept their victory…

 

Whilst Thars’ countless examples of Team Penske being caught Cheating in NASCAR. With one of the most recent examples being Joey “sliced Bread” Lagano wearing an “Amphibious” webbed glove to win this year’s Pole at the Daytona 500. Using the glove as an aerodynamic device to aid in extra “Downforce”, before Lagano was subsequently penalized at Atlanta. Losing His runner-up finish and being fined $10,000. With el Capitano’, nee Roger Penske being outraged over this “Egregious” behaviour…

 

The interesting part about Penske’s Push-to-Pass “P2P” infraction is that it was only discovered during Long Beach’s Sunday morning Warm-up session due to a technical glitch with the overall system during the sessions first ten minutes. When only Team Penske drivers had use of the inactivated P2P! When the entire grid should have not been able to utilize the system due to the technical difficulty preventing it’s usage.

 

According to Racer’s Marshall Pruett, naturally the story runs far deeper. With several anonymous sources saying that the software “excuse” doesn’t wash! And the team found a way to get around the ECU, (Engine Control Unit) the engine’s “Brain” preventing unwarranted P2P usage thru the CLU. (Central Logger Unit) The main Data “collecting” system that Chevrolet was quick to distance itself from! Claiming the CLU is each team’s responsibility…

 

Pruett also notes that one rival team sent IndyCar video clips of Penske drivers using P2P way too much during races last year, implying this “Tom-Foolery” was potentially going on for several months, before Penske self incriminated themselves at Long Beach when they shouldn’t have been able to use P2P during the Sunday warm-up’s first ten minutes…

 

As Y’all may wish to read Racer’s Marshall Pruett’s excellent article titled How Team Penske took Push-to-Pass beyond the Limit.

 

As All three Team Penske cars were able to manipulate the P2P, but only Newgarden and McLaughlin used it illegally at St Pete, with Will Power not doing so, and thus only being docked 10 points. With All three entries being fined $25,000 and forfeiting All prize money.

 

As Newgarden drops to 11th in the championship from leading, and McLauglin drops to a lowly P27, ergo last place!

 

Yes, All teams Cheat, or try to get away with as much as possible without getting caught, which is just part of racing. As case-in-point is Meyer shank Racing’s tyre inflation debacle at the 2023 Rolex 24. Or when Justin Wilson won at Texas Motor speedway for Dale coyne Racing with an unapproved part on it’s chassis…

 

But it’s the amount of cheating that Penske’s been caught for over the years, not to mention other major racing teams that makes it All the more intolerable! Especially when you’re the series owner…

 

As how many times over the years has Roger Penske said it’s Humiliating and adoesn’t meet His exacting standards? Or is it simply one reason that Team Penske’s one of the sport’s most successful teams ever? You make the Call.

 

But Inquiring Minds want to Know will Josef Newgarden refuse to give the St Pete winners trophy to Pato O’Ward or not?